At 58, Salma Hayek Pinault is having the most successful year of her long career. She recently earned the distinction of being one of the cover stars for the 2025 edition of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. The Academy Award-nominated actress, known for her dynamic roles in film, showcases her beauty and confidence in a stunning bikini shot taken by renowned photographer Ruven Afanador. The featured image shows Hayek Pinault making a bold impression underwater, her muscles poised in a strikingly elegant way.
The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue goes on sale May 17. It does a great job shining a light on some other wonderful personalities as well, like Ilona Maher, Alix Earle, Camille Kostek, Suni Lee, Gabby Thomas and Roshumba Williams. Hayek Pinault’s inclusion in this prestigious lineup is a testament to how societal norms toward age and beauty are changing.
Hayek Pinault Chiquis would look forward to the annual release of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue as a young woman. She speaks of that journey with obvious passion and fondness. She never expected to become a part of it herself.
“If somebody had told me I was gonna be in it at 58, I would have sent them to the madhouse, but the world has changed, and that’s exciting,” – Salma Hayek Pinault
The multicolored Cuixmala luxury resort on the Mexican Pacific Coast served as the stunning backdrop for the photoshoot. Hayek-Pinault recalled a mystical coincidence in the midst of the shoot when she saw a whale breach the surface of the water. This encounter encouraged her to live in the now completely.
“A whale showed up and jumped out of the sea,” – Salma Hayek Pinault
Through her experiences, she learned the importance of coming back to the moment and celebrating life. Rather than retreating into her own head, she rolled with it.
In her interview with Sports Illustrated, Hayak Pinault reiterated that representation for women over 50 is crucial in all media. She highlighted how she has fought for her place and how it feels empowering to see a magazine like Sports Illustrated embracing women of all ages.
“I could retire, but I don’t want to miss out on this time. I fought for it, you know, and I’ve been part of it, and I think it’s really remarkable that a magazine like Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit] says that it’s O.K., maybe even cool, to be past 50 and still be able to feel not just sexy, but for me, to be free and not be self-conscious of your body like you have to hide,” – Salma Hayek Pinault
Hayek Pinault’s dynamic presence on the cover salutes this trailblazing artist who continues to engage, innovate, inspire. It gives women all around the world permission to age however they choose, on their terms, unapologetically.
